On July 18th, the U.S. House passed the Senate-amended Rescissions Act, eliminating $1.1 billion in previously approved funding for public media. This is a devastating blow to local public media stations like WCTE – and especially to the communities across the country who depend on them every day.

Despite this loss, our network showed up in ways we’ve never seen before. More than three million calls and emails were sent to lawmakers urging them to stop these harmful cuts. There were moments when change felt within reach. Each vote was incredibly close. And throughout it all, we heard unforgettable stories about how public media shapes lives and strengthens communities.

Thank you for standing with your WCTE in this fight. Even when the outcome was uncertain, you didn’t walk away – you doubled down, and that’s what matters.

We know how much this means to you. It means everything to us, too.

Losing the Rescissions Act vote is a setback, but it is not the end of public media. While we take a moment to regroup, our work continues. We now turn to the annual appropriations process, where we still have a critical opportunity to restore public media funding through that process over the coming weeks and months.

But we’ll need every voice to protect the survival of rural, small, and Tribal stations and to prevent drastic service cuts to local stations across the country. And we’ll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.

If you're angry or frustrated by this vote, there’s still something you can do:urge your Members of Congress to restore funding for public media.

For WCTE PBS, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Forty percent of our annual budget previously came from federal funds. This is a tough moment. But our mission hasn’t changed. With your continued support, we will keep delivering the trusted, inspiring content you count on. 

To our members and supporters around the Upper Cumberland, your leadership and advocacy is more vital than ever. With your continued investment, we can build a more sustainable future for public media—and the communities we serve. Your partnership reinforces a shared commitment to education, opportunity, and access. Let’s continue this work, together.

The vote may be behind us, but the work is just beginning. If you believe in public media’s value, now is the time to join our community of supporters to help us keep WCTE PBS and other small stations on the air — especially in rural communities where public media is a lifeline.

It’s about protecting trusted local storytelling, lifesaving emergency alerts, educational resources that help children thrive, and the community services we all depend on.

WCTE PBS belongs to all of us. Let’s stand together to protect it.
Because when local voices are silenced, communities lose much more than just a signal.

WCTE Central TN PBS isn’t just another station – it’s a vital connection for our community. From Cookeville to the Upper Cumberland, we provide life-saving information, educational resources for children, and programming that celebrates local stories, culture, and creativity. But right now, public media is at risk.

Federal funding is critical. An annual investment of just $1.60 per person supports the local services of public media stations like WCTE. This funding allows us to serve even the most rural and underserved areas of our region.